Abstract
2- (2-Carboxyethyl) -3-decylmaleic acid (DCMA) was derived from spiculisporic acid [(4 S, 5 S) -4, 5-dicarboxy-4-pentadecanolide] produced by biosynthesis using Penicillium spiculisporum No. 10-1 of microbial origin. The sodium and organic amine salts of DCMA were prepared and their surface active properties were studied. Metal ion sequestration and pH buffering capacity were scrutinized. DCMA-diargininate was found to possess a distinct surface active characteristics and DCMA trisodium salt, to have the same biodegradability as soap. The buffering capacity of the sodium salts of DCMA was superior to that of spiculisporic acid sodium salts. It was also observed that DCMA trisodium salt appeared effective as a masking agent or metal chelating agent based on the result of the metal sequestration experiment and IR analysis.
